MICHAEL CARRICK reckons Manchester United have a “good spine” as his side launch a Prem title assault.

The Red Devils for a first crown since 2013.

Manchester United Press ConferenceMichael Carrick is backing Manchester United to have a strong season Credit: Getty Carlos BalebaA new-look midfield is set to be strengthened by Carlos Baleba Credit: PA

Boss Carrick has added central midfielder to his spine of goalkeeper , centre-back and skipper Bruno Fernandes.

Ahead of Saturday’s Prem opener at Hull, Carrick said: “If you look at all the top teams over the ears, all the great teams, the spine is really strong.

“So we’re conscious of that, and I think we’ve got a good spine right now.

“The foundation of the team is important to be consistent — through one game from start to finish and over a period of time.

“You need that solid foundation through the middle of the team. We are in a good place.”

Carrick has brought in £35million Tielemans, 29, and 22-year-old Andrey Santos in a deal worth £50million.

Brighton’s , 22, is set to follow in a £150million midfield rebuild following the departure of and a long-term injury to .

have missed out on main targets as rivals splashed out £116million on , while Tottenham forked out £85million on West Ham’s .

Friday 21 August
Arsenal
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3 – 0
Regular Season
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Coventry
Saturday 22 August
Hull
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12:30
Regular Season
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Man Utd
Everton
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15:00
Regular Season
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Palace
Ipswich
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15:00
Regular Season
Epl-teamsunderland
Sunderland
Forest
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15:00
Regular Season
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Leeds
Brentford
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17:30
Regular Season
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Spurs
Friday 21 August
Arsenal
3 – 0
Regular Season
Coventry
English Premier League P W D L GD Pts Form
1
1
1
0
0
3
3
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0

Carrick added: “We’re delighted with the two that we have brought in.

“Two fantastic players who offer us different things. For the value, we feel we’ve done very well.”

Baleba has been a long-term target for United after talks over a move last summer.

with attention turning to left-back for the rest of the window.

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